Being Freelance

EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE Record high quality video & audio with Riverside. See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan. Head to: beingfreelance.com/riverside----------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST EPISODE In this episode, Xavier Buendia shares his journey from Mexico City to Brighton, and more importantly from the world of hospitality as a sommelier to a career as a successful freelance photographer.Xavi discusses the importance of people skills, marketing consistency, self-confidence, and believing in yourself. He highlights both the financial benefits and creative downsides of having routine retainer clients; his pivot when COVID and Brexit hit the food industry he’d relied upon. And his recent experiments with hiring a very human PR and using AI – both to help his business in different ways.00:00 Introduction to Xavi Buendia02:04 Xavi's Freelance Journey Begins03:16 Moving to England04:04 Discovering Photography04:38 First Photography Gigs06:57 Building a Photography Business07:24 Using Social Media for Business08:19 Learning Business Skills09:08 Expanding the Business12:11 The Role of Customer Service17:01 Challenges of Freelancing18:11 Managing Work and Life19:28 Embracing Food Photography20:20 Lockdown and New Opportunities21:13 Impact of Brexit on the Food Industry23:18 Networking and Diversification28:14 Managing Retainers and Routine Challenges37:01 Working with a PR39:18 Advice for Freelancers and Relocation Insights   JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE Record high quality video & audio with Riverside. See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan. Head to: beingfreelance.com/riverside----------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST EPISODE In this episode of the Being Freelance podcast, host Steve Folland interviews Kate Taylor, a seasoned podcast producer and founder of the Feast Collective.Kate discusses the highs and lows of her 20-year freelance career, emphasising the importance of personal relationships and trust in bringing word of mouth work.She shares the journey of starting the Feast Collective to combat the isolation and stress inherent in freelance work, fostering a supportive community for audio professionals. Very much a sense of not seeing your peers as your competition. It's an interesting taking on freelancers working together and growing together.Kate also opens up about her personal fears, the rejection she's faced, and the strategies she uses to maintain work-life balance.The episode celebrates 10 years of the 'Being Freelance' podcast - Thanks so much for listening and being part of it! 00:00 Introduction to Kate Taylor and Feast Collective00:39 Podcasting with Riverside - SPONSOR MESSAGE01:52 Celebrating 10 Years of Being Freelance03:20 Start of Kate Taylor's Freelance Journey08:49 Building Relationships in the Audio Industry12:33 The Birth of Feast Collective15:41 The Structure and Focus of Feast Collective23:15 Challenges and Successes in Freelance Audio Production29:03 Balancing Work and Life as a Freelancer30:20 MESSAGE - Join the Being Freelance Community31:50 Dealing with Rejection in Freelancing34:39 The Importance of Awards and Recognition38:06 Climate Change and Podcasting41:59 Game: Two Truths and a Lie48:57 Advice for Freelancers: Wisdom from Experience51:28 Wrapping Up: Join the Being Freelance Community JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE Record high quality video & audio with Riverside. See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan. Head to: beingfreelance.com/riverside----------- ABOUT THIS PODCAST EPISODE Hear how Dave Officer, a freelance graphic designer got started and finds clients in this episode of the Being Freelance podcast hosted by Steve Folland. Dave shares his late leap into freelancing, discussing the challenge of overcoming the urge to procrastinate by consuming endless information. Discover how Dave transitioned from a steady job to pursuing his passion later in life, using creative networking strategies and leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn to build his brand. If you're wondering if LinkedIn video can bring you work... yes it can. Dave is the proof. But how is he doing it? Stand out. Bit that bit different to the 20 who came before. With plenty of humorous anecdotes and practical advice, Dave's story is a must-watch for any aspiring freelancer looking to make their mark, or established self employed creatives who are trying to find clients on social media.   JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDERecord high quality video & audio with Riverside.See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.Use this link to help support the podcast or go to beingfreelance.com/riverside-----------ABOUT THIS EPISODEAngela shares her 12-year journey as a freelance graphic designer. And her approach to business has dramatically evolved so there’s plenty to share.Initially focusing mostly on magazine design work and raising her young family, the past four years have seen her embrace networking, community building, and new opportunities through social media and in-person events.Angela discusses how joining communities like Being Freelance, Digital Women (where she won Graphic Designer of the Year) and working on Freelancer Magazine as art director opened new doors and helped her overcome initial reluctance to put herself out there. She emphasizes how word-of-mouth referrals have consistently been her main source of work.And now? There’s no stopping her. She’s launching her own podcast called "Creatives Like Us" featuring people of colour in creative industries, and organising an event of the same name. She’s being mentored and mentoring others - Angela shares insights about the value of business programs like Santander's Women in Business, which helped her improve crucial aspects like invoicing and contracts.Ange says she loves talking to people. And that’s the essence of what’s brought her work throughout. This time she’s talking to us… Enjoy! JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDERecord high quality video & audio with Riverside.See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.Use this link to help support the podcast or go to beingfreelance.com/riverside-----------ABOUT THIS EPISODEThomas Kemeny shares his journey from agency copywriter to successful freelancer, highlighting how he transitioned only after establishing a strong reputation in the advertising industry. After working long stints at agencies, Thomas didn’t want to climb the career ladder and become a manager. He wanted to be doing the creative graft.Working alongside an art director partner, Thomas discusses how they maintain separate businesses while frequently collaborating. He explains the benefits of working with both agencies and direct clients, noting how each environment offers different learning opportunities and approaches to creative problem-solving.With freedom in his schedule, Thomas had time to finish his copywriting book ‘Junior’. Published in 2019, not only was it a hit in the advertising industry, but it got picked up in the start-up world. An unexpected promotional tool, it lead to speaking opportunities at companies like Spotify and events like Cannes Lions.The episode delves into the realities of freelance life, including managing work-life balance while working from home with a young child, avoiding social media, handling business aspects like contract negotiations, and staying positive during industry downturns.Thomas emphasises the importance of showing the work you want to do rather than what you think clients want to see. He recognises that freelancing is often being in the moment rather than looking long-term. So for now, spend this moment listening to Thomas’ freelancing story.--CHECK OUT THE FREELANCER GIFT GUIDEStack full of ideas of what to get the special freelancer in your life. Even if that's you:https://www.beingfreelance.com/freelance-articles/gifts-for-freelancers JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDERecord high quality video & audio with Riverside.See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.Use this link to help support the podcast or go to beingfreelance.com/riverside-----------ABOUT THIS EPISODEDespite initially getting the cold shoulder from cold outreach, Hazel soon found her niche creating purpose-driven work, particularly around feminist and social issues.A viral social media post early in her career led to work with major clients like Netflix, though she discusses the anxiety that came with sudden exposure.Hazel opens up about managing the rollercoaster of freelance life, including how she handles quiet periods - even training as a face painter as a backup plan. She discusses the evolution of her business, from client work to running an online shop, painting murals, and publishing a book.The conversation delves into the challenges of social media management, maintaining authenticity while building a following, and protecting creative work from plagiarism.Hazel emphasises the importance of in-person connections and pushing through comfort zones, sharing how speaking engagements have led to exciting opportunities.A key theme is staying true to your authentic voice - Hazel describes temporarily removing her women's health-focused work from her portfolio on advice from a mentor, only to realise this was diluting her unique perspective that clients value.  JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDERecord high quality video & audio with Riverside.See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.Use this link to help support the podcast or go to beingfreelance.com/riverside-----------ABOUT THIS EPISODEIrish freelancer Raymond Manzor shares his journey from teaching English in Paris to becoming a sustainability copywriter. His freelance career began as a French to English translator, specialising in medical translation. Over time, he transitioned to editing, proofreading, and eventually copywriting.Raymond discusses his start in freelancing, including cold calling and mailing potential clients. He emphasises the importance of positioning and messaging, sharing his recent efforts to rebrand himself as a sustainability copywriter. (How did he even land on that term?!)Ray talks about the challenges of creating a website, defining his niche, and the importance of researching market needs before launching his services. All very business like for someone who doesn't call himself a business owner.He highlights the value of building a community and networking, particularly on LinkedIn. Finding that balance between chatting to your peers and your potential clients.  He shares how most of his opportunities, including referrals and collaborations, have come through connections made on the platform. Virtual coworking has also played a huge part.There's so much to learn from Raymond about evolving in our freelance careers. It's a really fun conversation. He's good at chatting - and who knew that would be a key skill when finding work as a freelancer too? JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDERecord high quality video & audio with Riverside.See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.Use this link to help support the podcast or go to beingfreelance.com/riverside-----------ABOUT THIS EPISODEMariery Young, a freelancer from Panama, shares her journey from architecture to illustration and design. Starting with a chance Facebook event, Mariery discovered her talent for art. She had pretty firm confirmation she was good at this new offering when her first freelance client was... Nike.Yep. She just did it.Mariery discusses how her architecture background helps her manage multiple projects and timelines effectively. She emphasizes the importance of honesty in time management and clear communication with clients, especially in quoting and project planning.A pivotal moment in her career was participating in the London Illustration Fair, which confirmed illustration as her path and connected her with wholesale buyers. This experience taught her the value of pursuing projects she's passionate about, as it resonates with clients and leads to more fulfilling work.And if you love what you're doing, you'll keep going when it's tough. Because it will get tough.Mariery shares insights on balancing work and life, including her decision to live near the beach for a better quality of life. She discusses her approach to social media, preferring to keep her work process private and focusing on one-on-one time with clients. Avoiding the lure of becoming an influencer, whilst making the most of the connections social media can bring.She stresses the importance of having a community of fellow freelancers for support and understanding. Mariery also talks about the challenges of slowing down, especially after a health setback.Mariery operates under the studio name "Mezclao," which reflects her mixed heritage and approach to projects. She emphasizes the importance of personal work in attracting clients and discusses how she balances client work with personal projects.Mariery's work is bright and bold and that shines through in this conversation too. Enjoy! JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDERecord high quality video & audio with Riverside.See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.Use this link to help support the podcast or go to beingfreelance.com/riverside-----------ABOUT THIS EPISODEEmma Clarke is a freelance voiceover artist, composer, and writer based in Manchester in the UK. You don't get to have a  35-year journey of self-employment without learning a thing or two. A lot to share in this conversation in amongst the laughs.Starting at 17, Emma knew she wanted to create her own job that combined her various interests. Her career began with recording for BBC Radio and quickly evolved into creating training playlets for businesses.Emma emphasises the importance of client management, getting clear briefs, and managing expectations.A key focus of our chat is Emma's systematic approach to business strategy. She conducts monthly "weather reports" to analyse trends in her personal life, work, and the wider world. This practice, along with quarterly and annual reviews, helps her stay agile and adapt to changes in the industry.Emma shares her experiences with various marketing channels, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and her Substack podcast. She notes how these efforts, particularly her podcast, have led to unexpected work opportunities, sometimes years after initial connections were made.And, yep - we had to bring it up. With AI unavoidable in the voiceover industry, Emma stresses the importance of being nimble and looking for adjacent opportunities. She advises us freelancers to focus on our unique skills, interests, and experiences to create new income streams.Throughout her career, Emma has weathered various economic storms by focusing on customer service, adapting her business model, and diversifying her income streams. She emphasises the importance of being aware of subtle economic shifts and being ready to pivot when necessary.So much good stuff in here and so much fun too. Whatever business you're in, it's all about the being freelance. Enjoy! JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDERecord high quality video & audio with Riverside.See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.Use this link to help support the podcast or go to beingfreelance.com/riverside-----------ABOUT THIS EPISODEMeet Phil Matthews, a seasoned freelance web designer celebrating an impressive two decades of independent business.Based in Weymouth on the UK’s South coast, Phil's journey started when an unexpected request came in whilst working in a computer game shop. Now we get to hear how he levelled up his freelancing career over the 20 years from there.In the days before Fiverr and UpWork, we hear how Phil went from creating websites advertised as eBay listings to building a loyal client base through word-of-mouth and stellar SEO practices, Phil shares his freelancing story - offering valuable insights on client relationships and the importance of recurring revenue streams.We hear his experiences balancing client work with family life, and how being freelance has allowed him to be present for his children's milestones. We also explore his approach to gathering and leveraging client reviews, a key factor in his business growth. Speaking of which, if you enjoy this podcast, please do leave a review 😘 Enjoy! JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland